Unsanctioned Match Set For NXT TakeOver: New Orleans

A major match was confirmed for TakeOver: New Orleans on last night's NXT.

After being harassed by a vengeful Johnny Gargano over the past few weeks, Tomasso Ciampa complained to general manager William Regal - only to be told that he'll be facing Gargano in an unsanctioned match at WrestleMania weekend.

The match also comes with a stipulation. Should Gargano win, he'll be reinstated as a member of the NXT roster. He was 'fired' from the brand after losing a title vs. career match against Andrade 'Cien' Almas (thanks mainly to the interference of Ciampa). Should Gargano lose, he will be permanently fired from NXT.

Gargano and Ciampa teamed together for much of their respective NXT runs, winning the NXT Tag Team Championship from The Revival at TakeOver: Toronto. They lost the titles a few months later to the Authors of Pain in San Antonio, and shockingly split after failing to win a rematch at TakeOver: Chicago.

Ciampa attacked his partner after the main event in Chicago, before taking time off to undergo knee surgery.

Ciampa returned after Gargano's loss to Almas at TakeOver: Philadelphia - the first WWE match to be awarded five stars by Dave Meltzer since CM Punk vs. John Cena in 2011.

Gargano was attacked by Ciampa with a crutch in front of his wife, fellow NXT Superstar Candice LeRae, an act which kickstarted their feud in earnest.

As well as booking this match on last night's NXT, Regal also announced the creation of a new title. The NXT North American Championship will be fought over at TakeOver: New Orleans, a ladder match featuring EC3, Velveteen Dream, Killian Dain, Lars Sullivan, Adam Cole, and Ricochet.